Bulls' Noah on track to return after missing game

CHICAGO - Center Joakim Noah appears to be on track to return to the Chicago Bulls after missing a game because of soreness in his left knee.

Coach Fred Hoiberg said Noah went through a full practice Thursday after experiencing some discomfort and will ''hopefully'' play Friday against Charlotte.

Noah has been coming off the bench this season with Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic in the lineup. He was listed as a starter over Mirotic for Monday's game at Philadelphia, only to be scratched.

The left knee has been an issue for Noah in recent years. The 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, he struggled last season after undergoing surgery.